Curtains

Throughout my time as NODA representative, for London District 3, I have frequently found visiting Wimbledon Light Opera Company (WLOS) to be a source of high-quality entertainment. On this occasion I visited to watch their production of Curtains (book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb and music by John Kander).  A musical ‘whodunnit’, together with a play within a play, is hardly an everyday choice for a major show and WLOS are to be commended in selecting a musical of this type and one which is little-known to many theatre patrons.

The plot concerns a theatre company's poor adaptation of Robin Hood, entitled ‘Robbin Hood of the Old West’ and the murder of their hopelessly untalented leading lady during the production’s opening night curtain calls. Whilst the remaining cast are all indifferent to this loss it falls to Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, from the Boston Police Department, to take charge of the investigation. But with his being both ‘stage-struck’, and smitten with a young lady from the cast, would the crime actually get solved and what was to happen to their ill-fated musical production?

Congratulations must first be given to Matt Bentley (Director) and Emma-Mae West (Assistant Director) who combined to deliver a first-class production.  WLOS is indeed fortunate to have such a depth of talented members and Matt/Emma-Mae were able to carefully select an excellent cast here who all appeared both confident in themselves and well-drilled in their individual characters.  Such results aren’t achieved by chance but from strong direction, attention to detail and much effort throughout the rehearsal schedule. 

Whilst the principals enjoy ‘the limelight’, it is important to recognise the energy, commitment and quality demonstrated by the entire company who provided excellent support and greatly added to the overall success of this production. Whether it was a cameo role, or one of the Featured Dancers, you were all certainly noticed and appreciated.  I thought that the character work and storytelling from the background cast was fantastic and you were fabulous to watch.

Congratulations once again to everyone at Wimbledon Light Opera Society and those directly involved with Curtains. This was another excellent production and one worthy of recognition. Good luck in your forthcoming shows!

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